This article by the New Republic's John B. Judis has been getting a lot of positive buzz and deservedly so. Judis' main point is that Barack Obama is an Adam-like figure (as in Adam and Eve) that has the potential to lead America into a new era of politics untainted by the old. Much of the focus of Judis' article is on Obama's broad appeal. No candidate in recent memory has attracted such an eclectic base of support. Obama's base includes young people, the working class, African-Americans, college educated adults, independents, and even some disenfranchised Republicans. Judis compares Obama's candidacy to that of Andrew Jackson's in the 1830's. Jackson attracted a broad base of support (granted this broad base of support included only white men) in hopes of making government work for the common man. Obama is also compared to Jimmy Carter. The difference between Obama and Jackson (or Carter) is that his candidacy actually has the potential and the means to enact real change.
Judis is cautiously optimistic. He reminds us that even if Obama wins the nomination, as now seems likely, he could still lose the general election, or worse yet, fail to bring about meaningful change once in office. These concerns are very real, and they deserve our attention. However, considering the alternative of John McCain, certified war junkie, I will gladly take my chances with Obama.
The article is long, but is well worth your time, no matter which candidate you support.
